Full moon provokes violence

Myths about werewolves have a basis in fact, say Austrian scientists  a full moon really does breed violent behaviour

The full moon has been linked with violent behaviour down the ages, but a new study shows that these myths may have a basis in fact.

A study at an Australian hospital found that a quarter of monthly admissions for violent, acute behaviour took place at the full moon.

Some patients had to be sedated and physically restrained to protect themselves, said Leonie Calver, a clinical research nurse at the Calvary Mater Newcastle Hospital, north of Sydney.

‘Some attacked the staff like animals, biting, spitting and scratching,’ she said.

Leonie Calver compared their behaviour to werewolves, who, according to mythology, appear at the full moon, says the Telegraph.

More than 60 per cent of the patients had been drinking or taking drugs, which she compared to mythology of werewolves using ‘magic ointments’. These ointments would, she said, have included belladonna and nightshade, which would produce hallucinations and delusions.

‘Our findings support the premise that individuals with violent and acute behavioural disturbances are more likely to present to the emergency department during full moon,’ she said.

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